AKG Wireless Microphones
Selecting a wireless microphone system can be an intimidating experience. The amount of choices, configurations, and specifications available can be dizzying, even for those of us with experience in the industry.
Thankfully, AKG makes a wide range of high-quality wireless microphone systems to fit any application and budget, and once you know the major differences between them, you’ll be able to select the right product for your project in no time.
What’s the Use (Case)?
Perhaps the most important consideration in selecting a wireless microphone system is where and how it will be used. Is it for a professional stage or broadcast environment where sound quality and reliability are paramount? Or is it for the lead singer for a local cover band where the highest quality for a limited budget is the key factor? Is it for a corporate or government environment where the signals may need to be encrypted to remain confidential? Identifying the needs of your end-user is the first step to determining which system is right for you.
Changing Channels
Another primary consideration is the number of simultaneous channels you will need at a particular location, as well as the amount of other wireless signals in the area. Professional touring environments may require as many as 40-50 open wireless channels (think stadiums, Broadway shows, large houses of worship), whereas a simple fitness studio may only require one or two. The ability to have a large number of simultaneous wireless channels running at the same time is a key differentiator in cost when it comes to wireless systems.
If you are installing the system in an area where there might be a considerable amount of wireless interference, such as a campus or dense urban environment, having a wide frequency range and the ability to easily identify clear frequency bands should be a prime consideration.
Digital vs. Analog
Newer digital wireless systems offer better audio quality and the ability to encrypt the signal for better security, but operate in the 2.4 GHz band, which is also where omnipresent WiFi and Bluetooth signals reside, so in dense commercial environments they may not be the best choice. Although analog RF-based systems operate on older technology, they are still the preferred choice for professional broadcast and live event systems.
So which AKG wireless system is right for you? Let’s take a look at their entire range and their pros and cons:
AKG WMS 40 MINI
AKG’s WMS 40 MINI series offers incredible value for the money. These are simple-to-operate, single-channel fixed-frequency systems which offer plug-and-play setup and a small form factor.
AKG PERCEPTION WIRELESS
The Perception Wireless series is an excellent choice for simple small-scale systems with a tight budget. It is an analog UHF-based system with basic frequency selection ability.
AKG WMS420
The most cost-effective professional system in the AKG range, the WMS420 offers a wide frequency selection band, detachable antennas to allow remote mounting, and rechargeable transmitters.
AKG WMS470
The WMS470 series is the best choice for a cost-efficient, high-performance, multi-channel system. Rechargeable batteries can be used and charged while remaining in the transmitter using the optional CU400 stand charger. The rear-mounted antennas can be detached for remote mounting.
AKG DMS100 & DMS300
The DMS100 and DMS300 systems are professional digital wireless systems from AKG, which offer pristine 24-bit/48 kHz audio and AES 256-bit encryption operating on the digital 2.4 GHz platform and are an excellent entry point to the world of digital wireless. The primary difference between the DMS100 and DMS300 is the simultaneous channel count – DMS100 allows up to (4), and the DMS300 allows up to (8).
AKG DMS800
The DMS800 is a reference professional-level digital wireless system designed for theaters, live productions, and tour sound applications. It offers the most accurate and reliable signal transmission in their digital line, and can be remotely monitored by Harman software.
AKG WMS4500
AKG’s flagship analog wireless system, the WMS4500, offers the highest channel quantity – up to (70) simultaneous channels, maximum reliability, and ultimate audio quality. Designed for touring sound, live performances, and broadcast applications, it is the system by which other AKG wireless systems are measured.
Conclusion
AKG offers a fit for every price point and project need. All of the above systems are available in a number of different configurations, with different transmitter options such as handheld, instrument, lavalier, and head-worn versions.
And don’t worry, if you still need assistance in selecting the appropriate AKG wireless system for your project, the Audio Team at Almo ProAV is here to help any time, at [email protected].
About the Author
John Rossman | CTS
BDM II – Technical Specialist
Supported Manufacturers: Harman Professional – AKG, AMX, BSS, Crown, DBX, JBL, Lexicon, Martin, & Soundcraft
